Senator JV Ejercito seeks to require body cameras for police operations

Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito sponsored a measure that would require police officers and other law enforcement personnel to wear body cameras during official operations, aiming to enhance public protection, improve transparency, and deter both abuse and false accusations.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, Ejercito sponsored the proposed Law Enforcement Body-Worn Camera Act, which mandates law enforcement officers to wear and activate body-worn cameras during legitimate operations to help boost public trust in law enforcement.

The bill covers a wide range of police activities, including the service of warrants of arrest, hot pursuit operations, anti-illegal drug campaigns, anti-cybercrime and anti-human trafficking operations, enforcement of visitorial powers, and checkpoint operations.

“In recent years, even legitimate police operations have been clouded by controversy due to the lack of clear, objective documentation. Body-worn cameras protect the public, and they also protect our law enforcers who do their jobs properly,” Ejercito said.

Under the proposed measure, documentation of police operations will become mandatory for the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The bill also sets minimum technical standards for body-worn cameras to ensure the reliability and evidentiary value of recordings. These include at least 1080p Full HD resolution, built-in audio recording, date and time stamping, GPS capability, and other essential features.

“Sa tulong po ng mga specification na ito, nilalayon po nating masisiguro na ang anumang footage na makukuha ay malinaw, kapani-paniwala, at maaaring magsilbing matibay na ebidensya kung kinakailangan,” said Ejercito.

To balance transparency and privacy, the measure allows the use of redaction technology to protect the identities of victims, confidential sources, and other sensitive information, in line with the Data Privacy Act.

It likewise imposes penalties for violations, including failure to activate body-worn cameras, unauthorized access to recordings, negligent disclosure, tampering, destruction, or other improper use of footage.

Ejercito emphasized that the bill is not intended to cast doubt on the integrity of law enforcers, but rather to strengthen their professionalism and credibility.

“Transparency protects the Filipino public, documentation protects our officers, and accountability strengthens our institutions… By striving to modernize and professionalize our law enforcement agencies’ operations, we are reinforcing public trust in our institutions and the rule of law,” he said.

-Paraluman News